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Accepting money here or there from friends is generally accepted if it is going towards fuel costs, or something of that nature.

However, the amount charged must not include an element of profit, as it could be perceived by your insurer that your car is being used for hire and profit.

If you are advertising lifts in exchange for cash among to make money from, then you could find your policy invalidated.

GoCompare Car Insurance’s spokesman, Matt Oliver, said to Express.co.uk: “As innocent as it may sound, if drivers are accepting money for lifts, they could end up invalidating their private car insurance policies.

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Car insurance can be invalidated for giving people a lift

“Many policies state, if drivers are accepting money with a profit, they could end up being classed as using their vehicle for ‘hire or reward’.

“It’s harmless accepting the odd few pounds, but drivers need to watch how much they’re accepting, and that it’s not for financial gain.

“The same goes for drivers of Uber and other ride-sharing apps.

“As these drivers are effectively running a business, they will need private hire vehicle insurance as they will not be covered on standard private car polices.”

Drivers are therefore being warned to check with their insurer before joining up to a lift-share scheme.

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Drivers may need private-hire car insurance if they want to start making money from lifts.

Dan Hutson, Head of Motor at comparethemarket.com, commented to Express.co.uk: “By offering friends and family a lift you may think you’re doing a good deed but by accepting payments for the drive you might actually be invalidating your insurance premium.

“Although car sharing is now often included on standard motor policies, you should only accept a contribution for fuel and other running costs.

“It is important to remember that by asking for a charge that may lead to ‘profit’, it may be considered that you are operating as a passenger service for hire and profit.

“Check with your insurance provider that you are not crossing any lines to invalidate your policy.”